Solid Waste Management: Degradation of Commercial and Newly Fabricated Cellulose Acetate Ultrafiltration Membranes

Treatment of polymeric solid waste, such as used membranes, is vital for environmental sustainability. Cellulose-based membranes are widely utilized in the water industry due to their resistance to biodegradation. These non-biodegradable membranes can persist in landfills and aquatic environments for extended periods. Our study assessed the biodegradation potential of Trametes versicolor on a newly fabricated cellulose acetate (CA) membrane and a commercially produced membrane under various conditions, including oxidative stress. Additionally, we employed T. versicolor encapsulated in a small bioreactor platform (SBP) for media inoculation and biomass augmentation. Treatment of the commercially produced CA membrane within a timeframe of 30 days was unsuccessful. This was primarily attributed to the structural stability of the membrane over time and the limited ability of the culture to attach to the membrane surface. These results underscore the necessity of exploring alternative biopolymer cellulose-based materials for ultrafiltration (UF) and microfiltration (MF) membrane applications. The custom-made UF membrane, treated by ozonation as a pretreatment, emerged as an effective approach for enhancing biodegradation. Combining these factors, we expect to achieve over 27.75 ± 1.5% weight loss in membrane solids by 30 days of treatment. This study represents the first inquiry into the biodegradation capabilities of T. versicolor on CA-based membranes.